Relics 2015: Silos

“When you see the silos, you’re here.” That’s how the locals handle orientation at the crossroads of I-49 and Highway 190. The silos were erected in 1951 on the old Belmont Plantation, owned by the E.M. Boagni family.

A century later, the silos—bearing rust-spackled signs of age—still stand tall outside of Opelousas. “They’re currently on the properties of Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino, which is owned by Boyd Gaming,” wrote photographer Frankie Bertrand. “We’re hoping that these property owners will renovate and preserve them.”

For now, we have the silos caught in a photograph. Keats lauded the Grecian urn and its eternal characters; Bertrand has her camera to stop time.

After a twenty-six-year tenure as president and CEO of the St. Landry Parish Chamber, Bertrand retired last summer. The next month, at age 71, she started her new business, frankiesfotos.

“My real passion is ‘on and off street photography,’” wrote Bertrand. “My camera is always with me. At any given time, you can find me in a crawfish pond, a cotton field, a horse ranch, churches, graveyards, or on the grounds of our many grand historical houses in the downtown area. I’m everywhere.”

“Oh, dear, was this supposed to be brief?” Bertrand closed out her submission. “I’m just so excited about sharing my passion.”